Here at LAist, we love to shop local. This year in our "LAist Goes Shopping" series, from downtown to Abbot Kinney we found amazing things by talented independent designers, as well as vintage jewelry, Japanese housewares, and pop culture themed pop-up shops. House of Love & Luck On La Cienega next to The Roger Room and Largo at the Coronet, The House of Love & Luck is full of beautiful vintage costume jewelry. more ›

It is rare to go a whole day in Los Angeles without getting a glimpse of one of Simone Legno's Tokidoki characters. From the apparel and accessories to the toys and skate-decks, the tigers, cactus pups, skulls, bears, geishas, unicorns, bullets, and other creatures that populate Legno's designs have found their way into popular culture and the hearts of Tokidoki fans and collectors. more ›

A few months ago the very cute sign for Loyal Army went up next to Kidrobot on Melrose. The white clouds with smiley faces promised some fun shopping. LAist went to check it out and found the adorableness inside. more ›

Today Comic-Con 2009 in San Diego wraps up a week of wacky costumes, events, panels, and general fandemonium. This year the toy section has grown into a collectors wonderland. In addition to the exclusives by STRANGEco, Super7, and Pullip, Michele Reverte checked out merchandise by Gama-Go, Tokidoki, Kidrobot, and found a place to play Nintendo DS. more ›

All things super cute will be well represented at this year's Comic-Con this week in San Diego. Several companies are offering exclusive toys including Tokidoki cactus friends from STRANGEco. The Platinum Editions of Carina & Bruttino and Skeletrino & Skeletrina are sure to bring out the Tokidoki collectors. Only 250 of each pup is available for $15 each. more ›

Ooh La La. She's so cute. In the midst of all of the comic books, celebrities appearances, and entertainment hoopla, Comic-con will feature a designer toy wonderland. From Kidrobot exclusives to new Tokidoki pups, collectors are going to be in toy heaven. Pullip and the Valley of the Dolls is offering the LaLa doll exclusively for Comic-con 2009. This beauty, a limited edition of 300, is offered at a special price ($70). more ›

Just south of Melrose, and around the corner from Munky King, is Japan LA, a store filled with a tribute to all things cute. more ›

In Culver City, Royal/T celebrates Christmas pop culture style. When we heard they had on display a one of a kind custom Tokidoki Christmas tree, we knew we needed to see it for ourselves and have lunch in their "Maid Cafe". more ›

mixi-bang is a vinyl toy haven right in the middle of Old Town Pasadena. Nestled between Burke Williams and The CrepeVine, mixi-bang carries Asian vinyl, western vinyl, plushes, and several toy related books. For those who like their toys more interactive, DIY Circus Punks, Munnys, and Qees line the shelves too. Throw in an Ugly Doll for good measure and happy customers will leave with a smile. more ›